Even during the most difficult period of the Tianyuan War, the Imperial Capital had never experienced a battle.
Seven Sword Palaces, dozens of sects, more than a hundred government offices, the Imperial Household, the Martial Arts Hall, the Imperial Army, the Garrison Camp, countless martial artists in the Imperial Army, countless great grandmasters, and hundreds of years of operation.
This was the world's most powerful martial arts holy land, where the top talents of the world's strongest countries gathered. It was never empty, and had always maintained an invincible strength. Even the ferocious Otherworldly Demons didn't dare to carelessly attack this city. In the hypothetical plans of the various countries, attacking the Houtu Empire's capital was a ridiculous option … This was a city that would never fall.
But today, the people of the Imperial Capital were awakened from their dreams.
A series of earth-shattering explosions shook the entire capital. Everyone looked toward the Imperial Capital. Even those who did not know martial arts could sense one thing: something incredible was happening in the Imperial Palace.
The Warden's Office of the Five Cities immediately activated the emergency plan, and the four gates of the capital were immediately closed. The Capital Magistrate and the bailiffs were mobilized, but this was as far as they could go. All the officials of the various government offices were trapped in the Imperial Capital. From the Martial Arts Hall to the Bureau of Military Personnel, the officials with the authority to make emergency decisions were not present. The officials left behind either did not have enough authority or were too timid to do anything.
The officials of the Bureau of Military Personnel were in an uproar. Due to the lack of information, they did not know what to do next. Some suggested that they immediately use their tokens to mobilize the Eight Garrison Camps, but this was rejected by their colleagues. This was because the Tiger Tally and the Soldier Seal were controlled by the Minister of War, and the Martial Arts Hall could not contact him. There were also no three assistant ministers in the government office to vote. Privately mobilizing soldiers was a serious crime. After all, no one was as brave as General Shentse.
The Capital Magistrate's Office was also in chaos. Because Lord Bao had gone to the Court Assembly, the remaining officials could only follow Lord Bao's principles of governance. They prioritized maintaining order and protecting the good. As for other matters … they did not care, nor did they know what to do.
This was a major change that had never occurred in the several hundred years since the founding of the Empire. Those sages who had drawn up the laws and principles of the Empire must have never imagined such a situation. How would the remaining administrative forces react or even retaliate when all the officials of the Emperor's court were captured?
No, not at all.
Because Houtu was so powerful, no one believed that the Empire would fall into such a desperate situation … No one had ever imagined such a situation.
No one would have thought that the Emperor himself would be the first to betray this great country.
Therefore, when the shocking change happened, everyone was stunned. The military and political system that the Empire was proud of did not make a more active reaction. Every government office was very competent, but only competent.
They were only passively doing their jobs. The capital government maintained order on the streets, the military department of the five cities sealed off the city gates, the Ministry of War ordered all departments to enter a state of war, and the Ministry of Justice immediately increased the security of the prisons and other prisons, closely monitoring those dangerous prisoners … That was all.
A group of dragons without a leader was the best way to describe the current situation.
"That direction is the Imperial City …"
In Shinto Province, Chao Po-tao looked into the distance, staring at the majestic palace walls of the Imperial City, his fists clenched tightly.
Lu Shu-jen floated to his side, her expression extremely solemn. "I feel a great pressure … That is the power of the Seven Luminaries Sacred Sword. Almost all of the sacred swords are gathered there."
"As expected, something happened."
Zhao Yunlong growled, "That woman!"
"It is meaningless to say this now … I have a part of the power of the Fiendish Sword of Ketu. With my spiritual sense, what is happening over there is an evenly matched confrontation."
Lu Shu-jen said, "I know how you are feeling right now, but everyone has to stay calm. In that kind of chaotic battle, Zhao Yunlong alone won't help. If we stay outside, we can do more things."
Zhao Yunlong glanced at her indifferently. "I am a general, and you are a military doctor. I don't need you to talk to me about tactics."
She jumped down from the roof and said in a deep voice, "Everyone, the abnormal situation has been confirmed. Something earth-shattering is happening in the Imperial City. As for the center of the storm, it is most likely Sun Lang …"
Zhao Feihuang immediately asked, "What can we do?"
Chao Po-tao shook his head. "Don't worry. Before the three armies move, information comes first. What we do depends on the information we have … We have to understand the current situation.
If the worst case scenario is that the Emperor has gathered the officials to attack Sun Lang, we have to consider making a big fuss and running away! "
Xu Qingluan had a worried expression. "Are there other possibilities?"
"There must be!"
Zhao Yunlong said resolutely. "I believe in Sun Lang. He will not let the situation deteriorate to that extent!"
She looked at Courrier. "Mao, Sun Lang does not allow me to use the Imperial Army anymore, so aerial reconnaissance …"
"Sun Lang has told me, Zhao Yunlong of Houtu, I have heard of your name during the war. You are a legendary general and a great warrior. Your bravery and achievements have also been recognized by the Church. At this time, I am willing to listen to your orders temporarily if it is reasonable."
Mao Mei raised her hand and summoned the Death Messenger armor. "I will do the aerial reconnaissance."
Zhao Yunlong followed him and said, "You're wrong. I'm not asking you to perform aerial reconnaissance. What I mean is that you carry me into the sky … This is the capital of Houtu Empire, and we're in a state of war. I'm sure you know what a flying machine from Li Huo will encounter. The Royal Array and the air attack force are not to be trifled with."
Zhang Yinluo said, "There is also a Blazing Angel here. I can also help …"
Zhao Yunlong turned back and said, "Stay here. Unless the situation is urgent, you are not to go to the frontline personally. This is the bottom line that I agree to let you stay here temporarily … Otherwise, we will leave the city immediately."
Yin Luo's face revealed an indignant expression, but Zhao Yunlong's gaze bore a hint of coldness within his indifference, causing her to resentfully give up on the thought of arguing, "… I understand."
Zhao Yunlong took some weapons. Courrier had already entered the cockpit and sat down. She saw Chao Po-tao standing outside and frowned. "Why are you still not coming in?"
"There is no need."
Chao Po-tao tied a bundle of javelins behind his back and said indifferently, "I will hang them outside your machine. Don't worry. If you have heard of my name, then you must know that one of the functions of the Imperial Army is to give me the ability to fly through the air."
"… Hmph, then don't fall to your death."
The thrusters shot out hot streams of flames, and the Blazing Angel rose into the sky. Zhao Yunlong grabbed the handle of a pod and flew into the sky under everyone's eyes. Her voice was still calm in the fierce wind. She said in the cockpit, "Now move toward the Imperial Palace. Pay attention to the altitude, pay attention to the distance, and be careful …"
"Understood."
Courrier changed the direction and moved forward. After a while, she said indifferently, "By the way, don't underestimate Aiqi … I mean Zhang Yinluo. She is actually very powerful."
Zhao Yunlong said indifferently, "Is that so?"
It had to be said that after hanging out with Sun Lang for a long time, her vision and so on had reached an unimaginable level.
Very powerful and so on … forget it, with her little martial arts.
Below, Yinluo expressionlessly retracted his gaze and turned around.
Zhao Feihuang shouted, "Where are you going?"
"Come and help. Also, it is better for us to move as a group."
Yinluo turned around and suddenly smiled very warmly. "I am just making some preparations."
In the golden palace.
"Do you know?"
The Imperial Army scattered in all directions. Sun Lang was like a swimming dragon, dodging left and right, shuttling back and forth in the crowd. The Sky Demon had just awakened and had not yet adapted to the human body. They could only display fifty to sixty percent of their combat strength. There were also many people, and it was a mess. There was no way for them to organize an effective resistance. When Sun Lang rushed in, he was like a fierce tiger rushing into a flock of sheep. He swung the Tianyuan Blade and violently beat them up.
"Aiyaya, if this is a game, then this must be the climax."
Sun Lang sent a Sky Demon flying with the back of his blade. He muttered, "The teammates of the protagonist are controlled by the evil magic of the big boss and become the pawns of the villain. This is the most annoying plot design because you have to think of a way to defeat these former companions one by one. Furthermore, you can't harm their lives. Who asked them to be your companions?
You can only think of a way to defeat them and then use them!
Friends!
Feelings!
Come!
Call!
Wake up! "
He stabbed the Tianyuan Blade into the ground and grabbed another Sky Demon who couldn't dodge in time. He took a closer look. Very good, the victim was a big troll from the Censorate and Pangji's sworn enemy. He went against General Sun every day and even participated in the impeachment with a strong sense of righteousness. He was an unyielding person.
Sun Lang shouted, "Let me help you!
You have to wake up! "
There was a series of crackling sounds as 20 to 30 slaps landed on the Sky Demon's face. Then, a friendly iron fist landed on the Sky Demon's handsome chin. Then, a knee landed on the Sky Demon's genitals!
The Sky Demon's eyes bulged. After taking over the human's body, he quickly understood the sadness that belonged to humans.
"To be honest, the current situation isn't too bad."
Sun Lang pulled out the Tianyuan Blade and rushed into the crowd. "In this situation, I'll use some small tactics that I'm usually embarrassed to use on my colleagues. No one should blame me … right?"
"… That's enough!"
The Emperor led the crowd to chase after Sun Lang. He thought that he had an overwhelming advantage, but he hadn't succeeded yet. After all, he had underestimated Sun Lang and Sun Lang's experience and ability in group fights. In addition, there were too many people in the Golden Palace Hall, and many of his moves couldn't be used. He was really restricted.
He held the two sacred swords tightly, and a terrifying power condensed at the tip of the swords. A powerful killing move was ready to be used. "Don't worry about the casualties. Put it all on Sun Lang. Now …"
"Stop!"
The powerful energy that filled his body suddenly stopped circulating, and the head of the Demon Spirit, which was composed of black mist, emerged from the spirit sea. "They are my people, and they are also your subjects. You have to cherish them like a monarch, and not sacrifice and kill them at will. Do you understand?"
Li Guangyuan said angrily, "But he's so slippery. What do you think we should do?"
"He just wants to delay us, but he will eventually realize in despair that the longer he drags on, the stronger we become, and the greater our advantage. Hunting him is like hunting. We have to make him tired and gradually tire him out. We have to be patient … Do you understand?"
The Devil said slowly. "Right now, we urgently need a victory. A victory outside the Imperial City and in the Imperial Capital."
In the mind, the Emperor and The Devil were talking quickly.
"It takes some time for the resonance field to spread outside. We originally planned to order the ministers who had successfully ascended to announce Sun Lang's rebellion and order the Imperial Capital to attack him together. However, he seems to have a natural sense for the ministers who had successfully ascended. A few of them wanted to secretly break out, but they were all stopped by him …"
The Emperor said, "In the end, we still have to take down this thief. Otherwise …"
The Devil said, "No, there's another way … He can only sense his people who have been possessed. In such an intense battle, if a purebred human sneaks out quietly, he probably won't be able to detect it."
Li Guangyuan had a thought and looked toward a corner of the golden palace.
There, His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince was curled up, trying to reduce his presence as much as possible. He looked at the chaotic situation in the field and looked at Sun Lang's figure who was killing without restraint. His eyes were filled with viciousness and hatred.
Sensing the Emperor's gaze, his body trembled and he quickly put on a flattering and loyal expression.
Just like a dog.